Then: The Earlier Years cover

Then: The Earlier Years

They Might Be Giants · 1997

139 min · 72 tracks · alternative rock

A playful collage of quirky narratives and offbeat melodies that defy traditional pop structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Everything Right Is Wrong Again Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Don't Let's Start — This track exemplifies the band's clever lyricism and catchy hooks, serving as a signature song that helped define their sound in the late '80s.
  • →
    Ana Ng — With its infectious melody and storytelling flair, this track encapsulates their knack for blending humor with poignant themes of longing and connection.
  • →
    Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head — This song showcases their whimsical side while cleverly critiquing consumerism through playful imagery, making it a standout example of their avant-pop style.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quirky narratives for curious minds
  • quick bursts of playful energy
  • whimsical soundscapes for daydreaming
  • frequent surprises in short tracks
  • lighthearted fun with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, cohesive albums
  • seek serious, introspective themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive retrospective that introduces new listeners to their early work.
Themes
quirky storytelling· post-college nostalgia· whimsical soundscapes
Career context
Then: The Earlier Years marks They Might Be Giants’ first major retrospective, compiling tracks from their early albums and singles. Released in 1997, it showcases their evolution as an alternative rock band since their self-titled debut in 1986, offering fans a glimpse into the formative years of their eclectic sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· Weezer· OK Go

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Everything Right Is Wrong Again Start here 2:22
  • 2 Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head 2:14
  • 3 Number Three 1:29
  • 4 Don’t Let’s Start 2:37
  • 5 Hide Away Folk Family 3:23
  • 6 32 Footsteps 1:37
  • 7 Toddler Hiway 0:27
  • 8 Rabid Child 1:33
  • 9 Nothing’s Gonna Change My Clothes 2:00
  • 10 (She Was a) Hotel Detective 2:12
  • 11 She’s an Angel 2:39
  • 12 Youth Culture Killed My Dog 2:53
  • 13 Boat of Car 1:17
  • 14 Absolutely Bill’s Mood 2:40
  • 15 Chess Piece Face 1:23
  • 16 Hope That I Get Old Before I Die 2:00
  • 17 Alienation’s for the Rich 2:27
  • 18 The Day 1:29
  • 19 Rhythm Section Want Ad 2:24
  • 20 We’re the Replacements 1:52
  • 21 When It Rains It Snows 1:35
  • 22 The Famous Polka 1:35
  • 23 [untitled] 2:35
  • 24 For Science 1:21
  • 25 The Biggest One 1:24
  • 26 Kiss Me, Son of God (alternate version) 1:51
  • 27 Mr. Klaw 1:21
  • 28 Critic Intro 1:39
  • 29 Now That I Have Everything 2:22
  • 30 Mainstream U.S.A. 1:17
  • 31 Fake Out in Buenos Aires 1:50
  • 32 Greek #3 1:31
  • 33 Hope That I Get Old Before I Die (original version) 1:14
  • 34 I’m Def 1:10
  • 35 Don’t Let’s Start (demo version) 1:16
  • 36 ’85 Radio Special Thank You 1:25

Disc 2

  • 1 Ana Ng 3:23
  • 2 Cowtown 2:21
  • 3 Lie Still, Little Bottle 2:06
  • 4 Purple Toupee 2:40
  • 5 Cage & Aquarium 1:10
  • 6 Where Your Eyes Don’t Go 3:06
  • 7 Piece of Dirt 2:00
  • 8 Mr. Me 1:52
  • 9 Pencil Rain 2:42
  • 10 The World’s Address 2:24
  • 11 I’ve Got a Match 2:36
  • 12 Santa’s Beard 1:55
  • 13 You’ll Miss Me 1:53
  • 14 They’ll Need a Crane 2:33
  • 15 Shoehorn With Teeth 1:13
  • 16 Stand on Your Own Head 1:16
  • 17 Snowball in Hell 2:31
  • 18 Kiss Me, Son of God 1:54
  • 19 Hello Radio 0:55
  • 20 It’s Not My Birthday 1:52
  • 21 I’ll Sink Manhattan 2:32
  • 22 Nightgown of the Sullen Moon 1:59
  • 23 The World’s Address (Joshua Fried remix) 5:42
  • 24 Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal 3:48
  • 25 Lady Is a Tramp 1:20
  • 26 Birds Fly 1:25
  • 27 Kitten Intro 1:43
  • 28 Weep Day 1:50
  • 29 The Big Big Whoredom 1:39
  • 30 I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You (adaptation) 1:59
  • 31 Become a Robot 1:18
  • 32 Which Describes How You’re Feeling 1:24
  • 33 Swing Is a Word 0:53
  • 34 Doris Cunningham 0:12
  • 35 Counterfeit Fake 0:39
  • 36 Schoolchildren Singing “Particle Man” 2:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata